Pirc Musar in Sarajevo: The path of the Western Balkan countries to the EU is too long, and Brussels has made mistakes

(Patria) - The path of the Western Balkan countries to membership in the European Union (EU) is too long, and the Union itself has made mistakes in this regard, stated the President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar today in Sarajevo, who arrived for a two-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Pirc Musar was received in the afternoon with military honors by the Chairman and members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić, Željka Cvijanović, and Denis Bećirović, with whom she held a meeting, followed by a meeting of the BiH and Slovenian delegations.

The focus of the talks was on bilateral relations, economic cooperation between BiH and Slovenia, as well as bringing BiH closer to the European Union, i.e., fulfilling the conditions for the start of accession negotiations in March, said the Chairman of the BiH Presidency, Željko Komšić.

"It would be a very bad message if we do not get the opening of negotiations. We must also consider that side of the coin when we talk about the European path. We touched upon economic relations; politically, they are at a truly enviable level. We also talked about economic cooperation. Economic exchange is at an enviable level for our circumstances and size, and we can certainly be optimistic that cooperation will continue in a mutually satisfactory way," Komšić said after the meeting.

He thanked the Government of Slovenia for its support to BiH and for everything that is important for peace, stability, security, and progress in BiH.

Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar expressed her satisfaction at visiting Sarajevo on the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo.

"That was a success of all the republics of the former state," the Slovenian President said at the beginning of her address.

She stated that Slovenia and BiH are historically connected and that the friendship between the two countries has not changed.

"No one can take away our friendship, and I am convinced that it will last a long time. Slovenia is your great friend, an ally. Slovenia was one of the countries that supported BiH's path to the EU. We have talked with many countries, and we have achieved that on March 21st in Brussels, BiH and the potential start of negotiations will be discussed again," said the Slovenian President.

She added that all 27 EU member states must also do their part by then.

"The EU itself has made mistakes on this path. The path of the Western Balkan countries is significantly too long, in my opinion. We, as the EU, must look in the mirror and do everything in the coming weeks to give BiH the opportunity to start pre-accession negotiations," said Pirc Musar.

She added that Slovenia will continue to help BiH on this path and that this country deserves EU membership.

"It is a natural geographical characteristic of your country. You belong to the European Union," said the Slovenian President.

She recalled that Slovenia is celebrating 20 years of EU membership this year and that the past two decades have shown how much membership in the Union has benefited the country and increased its gross domestic product.

"Within the EU, it is often not easy to reconcile the interests of 27 member states. But we must remember, politics is the art of compromise. If it is difficult to make compromises within 27 member states with so many different interests, I dare to claim that it should be easier within these three nations. I welcome the conclusions of today's meeting of the leaders of BiH's political parties that they have harmonized 90 percent of the open issues. The work does not end there, neither on your side nor on ours. I wish that March 21st in Brussels will be a joyful day for BiH and that BiH will become 'team Europe' in the near future," said the President of Slovenia.

She recalled that elections are being held in the European Union in June and warned that the political landscape in Europe could change.

"I appeal to all of us, let's seize the moment and do everything to ensure that BiH fulfills all the minimum conditions so that the green light can be turned on on March 21st," said Pirc Musar, adding that Slovenia will continue to help BiH on this path without any hidden intentions.

As announced, Pirc Musar will also visit members of the 48th contingent of the Slovenian Army, who are operating within the EUFOR Althea military mission and the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo. A meeting with the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of BiH, Borjana Krišto, and representatives of both houses of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH is also planned.

During her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the President of Slovenia will also participate in a ceremonial academy on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo.

On Friday, Pirc Musar will attend the event "Diplomat" organized by the Embassy of Slovenia in BiH, when a new ski slope will be officially opened in honor of the legendary skier and Olympic silver medalist – the Slovenian Jure Franko.